Holder for nail cleaner material

ABSTRACT

A holder for nail cleaner and more particularly a segment of cotton or cotton ball that is saturated with nail polish cleaning fluid includes an integrally formed upright portion, having a flange surrounding its lower perimeter, the interior of the upright portion being hollow to accept a portion of the cotton, while the flange compresses the saturated cotton against the nail during a cleaning function. The upright portion includes a series of serrations to facilitate gripping of the holder, while the front of the holder is integrally formed with a pointed segment, to provide for cleaning of those tight inaccessible areas between the nail and the cuticle during the performance of a nail manicuring function.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/959,451, filed on Aug. 23, 2013, which claims priority to the design patent application having Serial No. 29/442,259, filed on Jan. 16, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a holder device for use for holding a cotton swab or other material that may be saturated or contain a supply of nail cleaner, such as nail polish remover usually containing ingredients such as acetone, for use and application by the manicurist in cleaning the nails of a customer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of instruments have been available in the art for use by the manicurist, as at a beauty shop, or hair dressing salon, where the nails of the customer will also be treated, cleaned, and prepared for further treatment. In order to obtain a very attractive nail covering for the hand, it is usually advisable to remove any previous and old nail polish that may be contained upon the fingernails, before any new polish is applied. It provides a much smoother and attractive covering for the nails, when finished.

A variety of instruments have been previously used for adding in the removal of nail polish. For example, various types of stylets have been used to clear the corners of the nails, files, and other instruments, have been used to try to remove the polish, and of course, polish remover has been applied to remove older polish, down to the bare nail. Usually, such polishes include an ingredient such as acetone, ammonia, alcohol or the like, which are sufficiently caustic to etch into the old nail polish, and after much effort, achieve its removal.

But, for the manicurist in direct contact, to continuously use cotton balls, saturated with a nail remover, an acetone, and to repeat that performance for eight hours a shift, can and does lead towards irritation to her/his hands, because of being exposed to such abrasive chemical compounds for such a prolonged period of time. Some manicurist have had to actually leave the profession, because of extreme irritation to the hands, or at least take a leave of absence, until finger skin has been healed.

Examples of prior art devices for use for these purposes can be seen in the following United States patents.

An example of prior art devices, for use for removing nail polish, can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,282, upon the Nail Polish Removal Tool.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,675, shows another Nail-Polish Removing Apparatus.

A Nail Polish Removal Tool is shown in Design Patent No. 496,756.

A Disposable Nail Polish Removal Pad with Handle can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,172. The problem with it, it still exposes the ends of its saturated wad of absorbent cotton to the hands of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,443 shows another Polish Remover Pad Having Protective Rim.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,735 shows a swab like Nail Polish Removal System.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,229 discloses another more sophisticated Apparatus for Removing Nail Polish.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,859, shows a brush like Tool for Removing Finger Nail Polish.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,012 shows another manipulating Apparatus for Removing Nail Polish While Precluding Contact with Harsh Chemicals and Skin Irritants.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,541 discloses a finger applied Disposable Fingernail Polish Removing Device.

In light of the deficiencies of the prior art, and the detailed requirement of manipulation, carefully, while using a stylet, or the like, to aid in the removal of old polish, the current invention has been designed to remedy a variety of these previous problems, by allowing the manicurist to avoid direct exposure to the nail polish liquid remover, or to have prolonged exposure to its ingredients, such as acetone, or other dissolving ingredients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention contemplates a holder for a nail cleaning device, such as a cotton ball saturated with nail remover, such as acetone, whereby the holder can insulate the manicurist fingers from these deleterious chemicals, so as to prevent any injury to the user, and to allow the manicurist to continue for prolonged periods of time, to clean nails, without direct exposure to the used remover.

The invention is an integrally molded holding device, which has an upstanding member incorporating a hollow interior, reasonably reinforced to prevent its cracking or fracturing when squeezed, when used by the manicurist. A portion of the cotton ball that may be used during the cleaning function will be biased or forced upwardly into the upstanding portions cavity, to allow it to be held into position, by squeezing that portion of the device between the figures, as the manicurist applies it to the nails of the customer. Then, an integrally formed flange portion extends generally around the circumference of the upright portion, and which functions as a surface against which the remainder of the cotton portion can be biased, into a more flattened condition, to allow it to be rubbed across the nails of the customer, as a cleaning operation progresses. The flange portion is slightly arcuate or curved downwardly, at its outer peripheral margins, and functions to hold the cotton ball in place, during such a cleaning operation.

The frontal part of the holder includes a pointed or molded beak like part, integrally formed of the holder, and which has a somewhat pointed outer end, that can be used for etching around the marginal areas of the nail, particularly where the cuticles are formed, to allow for an abrasive removal of any old polish at those tight locations, to complete the cleaning function.

Such a holder must be made of materials that will resist any damage to it during usage, since nail polish remover normally includes an ingredient, such as acetone, that has a tendency to dissolve and breakdown the old polish, to facilitate its removal. Materials that are believed to provide a basis for resisting deterioration when exposed to any polish remover may be polymers, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which are believed to have the required properties that resist deterioration when exposed to such abrasive chemicals.

More importantly, and as the essence of this invention, and what is contemplated from its formed structure, is to remove the fingers of the manicurist from direct contact with the nail polish removal liquid, so as to avoid any prolonged contact with such caustic liquid, while the manicurist may work an eight hour shift, and thereby completely prevent any injury or inflammation to the hands of the user, during prolonged performance of a nail cleaning function.

Another feature of the invention is that the holder is fabricated from a rather thin molded polymer, so that when a cotton ball is applied into the holder, and part of its extends upwardly within its upper cavity, while the remainder of the cotton ball is pressed and flattened against the holder lower flange, the user can simply compress lightly upon the upstanding portion, to hold the cotton ball in place, and allow it to be manipulated back and forth and around the nail of the customer, as a removal operation proceeds.

In addition, the upper segment of the interior of the holder includes one or more reinforcing ribs, which prevent its collapsing or cracking, during usage, and in effect provides sufficient structural reinforcement to the device; as it is employed to function for removal of old polish, from the hands of a customer.

Another feature of this invention is that since it is made of a molded lightweight polymer, after one usage, it may be disposed off. The devices are relatively inexpensive of manufacture, and therefore, may be formed for disposable purposes. But, they are of sufficient rigidity, which can allow their prolonged usage for treatment of a customer, or even a number of customers, if such may be required. Furthermore, as obviously understood, when this holder is used for a single customer, there may be ten cleaning operations that may be required, from its usage, such cleaning necessitated for the nail of each finger of the customer, during a manicure operation. Furthermore, it may be necessary to use this device also upon the nails of the toes, of a customer, if they require cleaning, of old polish, in preparation for the application of a new polish coating.

Furthermore, the structure of this device includes a series of knurled surfaces, both upon its front and back edges, so that when used, for example, for application of the forwardly extending beak, for cleaning tight places adjacent the nails, the user can apply a finger to the holder at these knurled surfaces, to get a better grip, for application of the holder and its cleaning materials to the nails of the customer, during performance of a manicure function.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide a holder for a nail cleaner, and more specifically for holding a ball or segment of cotton in place, during its saturation to the nail polish remover selection, and while abrasively applied to the surface of the nails to remove any old polish.

Another object of this invention is to provide a nail polish removal holding device that can be squeezed for embracing a cotton ball or segment saturated with a polish remover.

Another object of this invention is to provide an integral pointed or beak like structure for a nail cleaner holder that can be gripped and applied for separating old nail polish from the various crevices or their perimeter edges of the nail, adjacent the skin, or cuticle, during a cleaning cycle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a holder for a nail cleaning material that is disposable, and can be discarded after each usage.

These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of this invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a right side view of the holder for nail cleaner of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side view;

FIG. 3 is a front view;

FIG. 4 is a rear view;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a slightly modified holder;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the holder of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the holder of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holder shown embracing a wad of cotton in preparation for its usage in cleaning the nails of a customer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 10, the concept of this invention is readily disclosed. It shows the holder for nail cleaner 1 embracing a segment of cotton, or cotton ball C partially within its interior, and extending therebelow, so that the cotton can be saturated with a nail remover liquid, in preparation for cleaning of the nails a customer by a manicurist. Essentially, as can also be seen in FIGS. 2-6, the holder 1 has an upstanding portion or segment 2 that is integrally formed with a peripheral lower flange 3, the lower flange forming a somewhat flattened cup like segment, as can be noted, that embraces that portion of the cotton that remains below the holder, after it has been installed. The interior of the upright portion 2 is hollow, generally as noted at 4, in FIG. 6, and it is into this portion that the cotton material C is pressed, in order to provide for its holding in place, by the holder, as it is used by the manicurist. As can be noted, the upper hollow interior segment 4 of the holder is reinforced, by one or more ribs, as at 5, so that when the upright portion is squeezed, it does not crack, as it embraces the upper part of the cotton C, in preparation for a manicuring function.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower flange 3 is substantially wider, than its upright portion, and that part of the cotton C that does not enter into the interior 4 is somewhat flattened, against the underside of the flange 3, after it has been saturated with the nail removing liquid, in preparation for rubbing against the nails of the customer, to attain complete removal. As can also be seen, there is integrally formed upon the front of the holder a forwardly extending pointed or beak like member 6 that has a pointed apex, as at 7, and this pointed end is used to scrap away any residual polish that remains upon the nail, particularly at their crevice portions, such as along the edge of the nail proximate the skin, or at the cuticle, in order to provide for a complete removal of the old polish, during a manicuring function.

It can also be seen at the upright portion 2 has a series of molded serrations or knurled surfaces, such as the roughened component as shown at the front 8 of the device, along the integral front wall 9, and the rear wall 10 has a series of molded serrations or knurled surfaces, as at 11, as can be noted. The purpose of these roughened areas are to provide for easy grasping by the fingers of the user, or manicurist, while manipulating the holder, during a cleaning function, or while applying the forwardly extending pointed end 7, into confined areas, while manicuring.

FIG. 5 also shows the arrangement of these surfaces 8 and 11, in addition to all of the other integrally formed portions of the holder, as can be noted.

FIGS. 7-9 show a slight variation upon the molded structure of the holder, and essentially discloses how the integral flanges 12, extending outwardly from the upright portion 2, have a slight arcuateness to them, the arcuateness facing downwardly, in order to better embrace the segment of the cotton C that remains therebelow, in preparation for a cleaning function.

A segment of the cotton material, or cotton ball, that is partially compressed upwardly into the hollow interior of the upright portion 2 of the holder, before it is dipped into any removal liquid, and pressed against the four fingers, and rubbed, through a fore and aft movement, is the sequence of maneuvers that are performed during a cleaning operation. And, since the exposed part of the cotton ball, which has been saturated with the remover liquid, is below the flange portion of the holder, and wherein the liquid has many caustic attributes within its ingredients, the holder will prevent direct exposure of the fingers to the saturated cotton, during a cleaning operation. In addition, since the removal liquid does have these caustic attributes, the holder will need to be molded from a polymer material, that can resist deterioration, during its usage, or dissolving itself, and it has been found that a molded polymer of polypropylene or polyethylene may have the required properties that resist breakdown during usage when exposed to these types of caustic chemicals.

In addition, all the exterior surfaces of this holder are designed to have a very light, smooth texture to improve the finger grip by the hand of the manicurist. All interior surfaces are designed to be of smooth and polished edges, to enhance release of the moistened cotton ball, during and after usage. Appropriate choices for both surface finishes, in addition to colorations of the polymer used, will depend upon the desire of the manicurist, and the hair dressing facility, that purchase and use these devices. Furthermore, since the upright portion of the holder, and even its widened flange parts, offer surface areas, it is likely that the name of the beauty shop, and hair dressing facility, can be applied thereto, or a trademark molded therein, or even advertising promoting ones business, can be applied to the holder for attaining further beneficial results from its usage.

Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing hereon. The description of the preferred embodiment, and the depiction of the invention in the drawings, is primarily set forth for illustrative purposes only. 

We claim:
 1. A holder for nail cleaner, including a generally enclosed upright portion, having a hollow interior, for accepting a portion of any cleaning fabric or segment of cotton therein, said holder having an integral flange, extending generally outwardly around the lower circumference of the upright portion, to bias against the segment of cotton remaining below the holder, to allow it to be saturated with the nail remover liquid and flatten against the nail during a cleaning function.
 2. The holder of claim 1 wherein the upright portion has both a front wall and a back wall, and said front wall and back wall having serrations to facilitate gripping of the holder during usage.
 3. The holder of claim 1 and including an integrally forwardly extending portion having a pointed frontal end, which can be used for cleaning the nails of a customer in rather inaccessible locations between the nail and the cuticle, during performance of a cleaning function.
 4. The holder of claim 1 wherein said lower outwardly extending flange has a curved outer edge, for embracing the remaining cotton below the holder during usage.
 5. The holder of claim 4 wherein said lower flange portion is of arcuate formation, curved downwardly in its structure for embracing the remaining cotton below the holder during usage.
 6. The holder of claim 1 wherein said holder is molded from one of polypropylene and polyethylene.
 7. The holder of claim 1 wherein said upright portion and flange have smooth surfaces upon both its outer and interior surfaces, the latter to facilitate removal of a spent cotton ball after performance of a nail cleaning function. 